Francis James Adam

Profile & Legacies Summary

Biography

Francis James Adam, part-owner of Nismes estate in British Guiana, for whom his brother Rear Admiral Sir Charles Adam (q.v.) claimed compensation as his executor.

Born 24/03/1791 and baptised 06/05/1791 in Mortlake, Surrey, son of William Adam (1751–1839), of Blairadam, Kinross, and of Eleanora (1749–1808), daughter of the tenth Lord Elphinstone. Brother of Rear-Admiral Sir Charles Adam (q.v.).

Memorial inscription in Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh: "FRANCIS, THE FIFTH AND YOUNGEST SON OF THE LORD CHIEF COMMISSIONER, WAS A MERCHANT IN LONDON. ACTUATED BY A HIGH SENSE OF HONOUR, HE UNDERTOOK A VOYAGE TO DEMERARA FOR THE ARRANGEMENT OF SOME ARDUOUS AFFAIRS. HIS BROTHER (REAR ADMIRAL ADAM) ACCOMPANIED HIM. A SIGNAL INSTANCE OF FAMILY AFFECTION. FRANCIS WAS SEIZED WITH THE YELLOW FEVER ON THEIR VOYAGE HOME AND ON THE 8TH OF JUNE 1820, AGED 29, HE EXPIRED IN HIS BROTHER'S ARMS. HIS REMAINS WERE COMMITTED TO THE OCEAN. Put up by his Father in July 1827."

The will of Francis James Adam of Westminster Middlesex was proved 25/09/1820. It was made just before his fatal journey to Demerara. After settling his commercial debts (and he refers to the 'Embarrased company' he was in with Milliken Craig, Robt. Pattison and Robt. Douglas), he left the residue to his wife Mary Augusta Dalrymple Adam for her life and then to their son William.